Hukato Zhimo
Dimapur
Survival of the fittest is the norm since time immemorial and big fish eats small fish is also the way an ecosystem works but seldom one cuts one’s own feet while striving to rise high. Sadly that’s what has been happening to the Nagaland commerce by it’s own people. On one hand our small business community is toiling hard to bring our state on the economic map vis a vis other Indian states but are marred by corruption, extortion and now increased threats and high handedness of the various anti social elements and groups.
The helplessness of traders in Nagaland is visible in the latest appeal by the DCCI President who condemned the uncountable and uncontrolled illegal taxation spree by the various nationalist groups. Business community ends up paying ten to fifteen different types of taxes on every item which includes yearly tax, agency tax, gate tax, transport tax dealership, item wise tax and syndicates fees etc. the cry of business community is valid since nowhere in the world such multiple taxation by multiple agencies is in vogue.
These incidents of collection of taxes from the entrepreneurs and attack on traders creates a sense of anxiety and fear amongst the peace loving traders who are helping the people to meet their aspirations and logistic needs. Earlier in this march the assassination bid on traders was appalling and barbaric. Shooting of woman trader, a widow and elderly mother of two children who runs a small tea and puri stall for the living, needed to be condemned by all. It’s to extreme dismay that even a widow was not spared from the hands of anti-social elements. These attacks especially on the business community, has a ripple effect and it is the public who eventually pays for the consequences. It is unacceptable that people feel unsafe in their own homes, workplace and locality at this day and age when we are brokering for peace.
It takes me to my first statement whether the issue is of thriving or surviving and I ponder whose survival? For ages we have been an egalitarian society which has been a thing of the past and present age demands business, modernization and development. Business has emerged in our state and we are forthcoming to adapt to changes in technology for development but that’s not the key to thriving until we as a state and its citizens are not able to reap dividends of the commerce for further investments and future gains. Sadly that would not be possible till we keep paying unabated taxes to the various groups.
It’s high time the common man join hands of the communities voicing against the menace of illegal taxation. The business community has suffered for long and has come to the brink of revolt not only to sustain them but also to save future of Nagaland’s economy, growth and development. The business community is evidently insecure since all kinds of business have become unsustainable except the business of illegal tax collection. We must realize that it’s not only the business community but also the common masses who are peeved and become totally insecure and overburdened with such illegal taxation with threat & intimidation. May the sanity prevail among the state and its people to shun the illegal practices and atrocities upon us! Amen !!
